The urgent need for enhancing quantity, quality and relevance of applied research and revamping academic research programmes has been stressed by the MHE, Syrian Universities and other actors. Health research in particular faces many challenges, including a lack of qualified human resources. Current training in public health (PH) research methods is limited to physicians in major cities while the discipline requires a multidisciplinary approach.To address this need, MAPHAR aims at developing an updated flexible online Master's degree in PH research methods compliant with international standards in order to prepare qualified researchers who will contribute to create, implement, and evaluate effective public health policies and programmes in line with Syrian development needs. E-learning will provide access to higher education for people living in remote places or combining a work schedule with studying and will allow continuous training of professionals. The Master’s programme will be hosted by the Syrian Virtual University, in collaboration with teachers from Syrian academic institutions. Online courses on research methods will be offered to researchers and institutions.MAPHAR also aims at upgrading Syrian academic and non academic staff skills, in modern teaching methods and supervising research. It aims at providing a favourable environment for research through the provision of necessary tools, including the upgrading of IT labs devoted to research, access to E-libraries, and strengthening a network linking Syrian and international higher education institutions, research institutes and public and private actors.During the development phase, focus will first be on identifying courses taking into account labour and market needs, as one major problem in Syria is graduates’ employability. Subsequently, the project team will review existing programs in Syria and in the EU, define and develop the online Master’s programme and teaching materials and implement it.